Pangolin Confiscation

The following story about a pangolin was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

This large, male Temmink’s pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in a joint effort between the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), South African Police Service, Endangered Species and Stock Theft Unit, and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. He was stabilized by Dr Xander de Kock (Wolkberg Veterinary Clinic) before being transported to us by Pangolin K9.

An overall medical exam was performed, and apart from the usual medical issues in these trafficked animals, we found that he had an abscess under one of his left front toes, just below one of his nails. This was drained and then soaked in a healing product on a daily basis.

Our Temminck’s pangolin patients benefit highly from Lafeber Company’s donation of EmerAid food. We are grateful to offer this food to ensure that our patients have the best chance of survival, particularly when they are underweight, injured, or ill.

Thankfully he recovered well and was released at an APWG approved and monitored site.

PLEASE NOTE: All pangolin patients are housed off site at an undisclosed location for the protection of them as well as our staff.